Alderman José Pérez has been elected president of the Milwaukee Common Council, according to a joint statement issued Tuesday.
Pérez is the first Latino to hold the position in Milwaukee's history.
As alderman, Pérez represents the South Side of Milwaukee in the 12th district, which includes Walker's Point, Walker's Square and extends from the KK river to S. 20th St. and from the Menomonee River to just south of Cleveland Ave. He has served on the council since 2012.
Read the full statement below:
By Common Council members: Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark Borkowski, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
"Today, we proudly voted for Alderman José Pérez to serve as the next President of the Milwaukee Common Council. We want to extend our congratulations to President Pérez on this historic day as he becomes the first Latino/Latinx person to ever serve in this position.
Milwaukee’s Latino population is the fastest growing demographic in the city, as well as across the state of Wisconsin, and we are delighted that today this community now has representation at one of the highest levels of local government. Throughout his time as an Alderman, President Pérez has shown the dedication, knowledge and leadership that will make him a great Council President, and we know he will dutifully serve not just the Latino community, but ALL of Milwaukee at a time when we have many challenges facing our city.
The leadership within the City has seen much turnover in recent months, and we are hopeful that these new leaders will bring forward fresh ideas and creative solutions that will benefit our residents. President Pérez is taking the helm, just about a week after our city witnessed the inauguration of our first elected Black mayor, Cavalier Johnson!
We are excited about this new era in Milwaukee, and look forward to working together with this diverse leadership to make our city the best it can be."
